Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Must one be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) to join GSBA?
A: Anyone who supports GSBA's mission and Code of Ethics is eligible to join. Those who support our mission but are not LGBTQ are considered allied.

Q: Where can I find information about GSBA's membership benefits?
A: You can find information here or please call the GSBA office at (206) 363-9188 to request a membership brochure.

Q: What if I'm not in business or a professional? Can GSBA still offer me anything?
A: GSBA members work in the for-profit, non-profit and public sectors representing business and professional leaders who are self-employed, business owners, CEOs, elected officials, government employees and students and retirees. Membership provides more than business networking and marketing opportunities - GSBA offers visibility, advocacy, connection with the nonprofit community and support for the next generation of LGBTQ and allied leaders through the GSBA Scholarship Fund. GSBA is a thriving and diverse community.

Q: If I live or work outside of Seattle, does it still make sense for me to join GSBA?
A: GSBA is the largest chamber of its kind in the United States. Since its founding in 1981, it has grown to become a strong regional chamber as much as a Seattle-specific chamber. GSBA’s membership has grown beyond Seattle and has members, from Portland to British Columbia and from the Pacific to Yakima. Having a large, broad constituency also helps GSBA more effectively advocate for those who live or work in less inclusive areas of Washington.

Q: Do I have to be a GSBA member to attend GSBA programs and events?
A: Everyone is welcome to attend GSBA's programs and events, but only members may advertise in GSBA publications and enjoy the benefit of significantly reduced fees to participate in events.

Q: What makes GSBA different than other business chambers?
A: GSBA is as much a community as it is a business chamber. GSBA members are loyal and steadfast in their commitment to a code of ethics that stands for diversity and inclusiveness, providing quality services and products and a commitment to philanthropy and investing in the future through the GSBA scholarship program. Most of our 1,300+ members say they may have joined first for business reasons but remain connected to GSBA because of the sense of community the organization was founded on and is still known for today.

Q: Why does GSBA not include the word gay in the organization's name?
A: GSBA was founded in 1981, a very different era in the struggle for LGBTQ equality, when being completely open was much more challenging. Like many other LGBTQ organizations, GSBA strives for inclusiveness, and the term “gay” is not fully representative of our community. Sometimes it even remains challenging to fit everyone under the umbrella of “LGBTQ and allied.” For those reasons and more, the organization continues to use the original name it was founded under and the name that has more than 25 years of brand equity.

Q: Why do you use LGBTQ, and not LGBT or other common acronyms?
A: Adding the "Q" to the "LGBTQ" is our way of showing our corporate, business, nonprofit members, our community, and even our staff that we are an inclusive organization and welcome everyone who supports equality. Adding the "Q" to the "LGBTQ" gives visibility and recognition to a large portion of our community that is often underserved and underrepresented in many ways.
(Fun fact: In modern terminology, Q does not reference the derogatory term "queer" as it was hurtfully used historically, but is the short term for "genderqueer", meaning anyone who identifies as gender nonconforming or gender fluid.)